By: Skye Taylor
Bryce and James Braswell start setting up beach pong. This is their first day at the beach for Memorial Day weekend.
They start by filling up the buckets with sand. Beach pong is believed to have originated from Dartmouth University.
James Braswell locks in to throw the ball in the bucket. People walked by asking what the game was and were very interested.
Bryce Braswell is trying to come back from a 3 to 4 defecit. “We get competitive, but never too serious — it’s all about fun,” Bryce says.
Bryce got balls back and missed both of his next shots. “I’ve got to win this round — I’ve got a streak to protect,” says James.
Bryce hits the last cup and he wins the first game. That’s one down!” he says, flashing a proud smile.
The sons gather in a circle, stretching the Spikeball net tight across the sand.“It’s our go-to game when we’re ready to get a little more competitive,” says Vince Braswell.
Vince lunges forward with focus as he serves the ball to start the game. “He’s got the quickest hands out of all of us,” his dad James says, watching from the sidelines.
Two teenagers Wyatt Davis and Cannon Philips step onto the sand and jump right into the Spikeball match. “They saw us playing and asked to join — now it’s game on,” says Vince.
Vince dives across the sand, stretching to keep the rally alive. “He’ll do whatever it takes to win — even eat sand,” jokes his brother Bryce.
Philips positions himself with his eyes locked on the ball, ready to strike. The fast-paced rhythm of Spikeball keeps every player on their toes.
B. Braswell and Philips face off, both focused as they compete for control of the ball. Their quick reflexes and sharp moves make the game intense and exciting.
All four players are fully engaged in the fast-paced Spikeball match. The game’s rapid rallies keep everyone moving and strategizing with every hit.
B. Braswell makes a behind-the-back hit, his arm raised high in mid-swing. This tricky move caught the opponents off guard and turned the game around.
Davis tosses the ball into the air, preparing to serve with precision. A strong serve can set the tone for the entire point in Spikeball, especially this late in an intense game.
Davis swings hard, eyes locked on the ball mid-rally. “His focus during the game is insane — he never lets up,” says V. Braswell.
Davis falls backward, landing on his hands to save the ball. “Those quick reflexes can turn the game around in an instant,” says Philips.
